After a bout of bad weather, ice-related admissions to hospitals can triple.
Slips, trips and falls can happen to anyone, at any time of the year, but winter ice and snow on sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks increase the risk of slips and falls substantially.
Injuries can range from minor scrapes and fractures to back injuries and head trauma.
In one year, there were 7,894 injuries from slips, trips and falls in B.C. Slips on stairs and steps alone accounted for 1,594 of these injuries. Across Canada, 9,000 people have been hospitalized in a single winter from falling on ice.
Winter-related slip and fall injuries can range from mild to severe.
For someone in a wheelchair, mobility obstacles are even greater and fear of outdoor falls in icy conditions lead many to be involuntarily homebound.
While falls can be caused by inattention and/or lack of caution, property owners and occupiers do have responsibilities to keep their premises safe, and owe a duty of care to people on their premises. There are also snow and ice removal bylaws in every B..C community which must be followed.
Slips and falls that occur due to a property owner’s failure to adhere to these bylaws could constitute negligence. If injuries are caused by the negligence of another, then you may be entitled to make a claim for damages.
Property owners and occupiers are responsible for the safety of their premises.
If an owner or occupier fails to ensure their property is reasonably safe, they have failed in their duty of care. Reasonable care involves a wide range of regular maintenance such as cleaning up spills; repairing defective structures such as handrails, stairs and uneven flooring; and ensuring stairwells are properly lit.
Victims across the BC province were notified that a nurse that was involved in their perioperative care at BC Women’s Hospital’s gynecological surgical center and did not have a valid nursing license.
Hammerco Partner Krista Simon has been included in the 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada for her work in personal injury litigation and insurance law.
At Hammerco, we have experience helping clients who have been injured in assaults. We understand the impact that assault injuries can have on your life and are committed to helping you recover the compensation you need.
Childhood sexual abuse or assault can have far-reaching effects that are unique to each survivor. Survivors often experience a range of emotions, including shame, guilt, depression, and anger.